
The United States has long been a land of opportunity for entrepreneurs worldwide.
Taiwanese businesspeople, in particular, have made significant contributions to the U.S. economy by bringing with them strong cultural values of determination, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.
These values, often encapsulated in unique Taiwanese or Chinese expressions, have enabled them to build multi-million-dollar companies and foster cross-cultural connections between Taiwan and the U.S.
This article highlights the inspiring journeys of Taiwanese entrepreneurs who have established successful businesses in the United States through vision and hard work.
Jensen Huang – Co-founder and CEO of NVIDIA Corporation

Industry: Technology and Semiconductors
Founded: 1993
Headquarters: Santa Clara, California, USA
Story: Born in Tainan City, Taiwan, in 1963, Jensen Huang (also known as Jen-Hsun Huang) moved to the United States at the age of nine.
He attended Oregon State University, earning a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, and later received a master's degree in electrical engineering from Stanford University.
In 1993, recognizing the potential of graphics processing technology, Huang co-founded NVIDIA Corporation with Curtis Priem and Chris Malachowsky. Under his leadership as CEO and president, NVIDIA became a global leader in graphics processing units (GPUs) and artificial intelligence (AI) computing. The company's innovations have transformed industries such as gaming, professional visualization, data centers, and autonomous vehicles.
Huang's visionary approach has positioned NVIDIA at the forefront of AI and deep learning, contributing significantly to advancements in technology and computing power. His commitment to innovation and excellence has earned him numerous accolades, including recognition as one of the world's top CEOs.
Cultural Influence:
Huang's journey reflects the value of 勤勉刻苦 (qín miǎn kè kǔ), meaning "diligence and hard work." His relentless pursuit of technological advancement embodies the spirit of 创新 (chuàng xīn), or "innovation”. The concept of 自强不息 (zì qiáng bù xī), meaning "continuous self-improvement," is evident in his commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in computing. Huang's leadership style emphasizes 以德服人 (yǐ dé fú rén), "winning people over by virtue," highlighting the importance of integrity and ethical conduct in business.
Jerry Yang – Co-founder of Yahoo! Inc.

Industry: Internet and Technology
Founded: 1994
Headquarters: Sunnyvale, California, USA
Story: Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Jerry Yang moved to the United States at the age of 10. Despite language barriers, he quickly adapted and excelled academically.
Yang attended Stanford University, where he earned bachelor's and master's degrees in electrical engineering.
In 1994, while pursuing his studies, Yang co-founded Yahoo! Inc. with David Filo. Initially a hobby website called "Jerry and Dave's Guide to the World Wide Web," it evolved into one of the first major internet companies.
Yahoo! became a pioneer in web search, email, news, and online services, significantly shaping the early internet landscape.
Under Yang's leadership, Yahoo! grew into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise, employing thousands worldwide. His ability to foresee the internet's potential and dedication to innovation were key to Yahoo!'s success.
Cultural Influence:
Yang's journey reflects the value of 勤奋好学 (qín fèn hào xué), meaning "diligent and eager to learn." His commitment to education and continuous learning exemplifies how this cultural principle can drive significant achievements in technology and business. Additionally, the concept of 创新 (chuàng xīn), or "innovation," encourages individuals to think creatively and embrace new ideas—traits that Yang demonstrated throughout his career.
Steve Chen – Co-founder of YouTube

Industry: Internet and Technology
Founded: 2005
Headquarters: San Bruno, California, USA
Story: Steve Chen was born in Taipei, Taiwan, and moved to the United States at the age of eight. He studied computer science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and later worked at PayPal, where he met Chad Hurley and Jawed Karim.
In 2005, the trio founded YouTube, revolutionizing how people share and consume video content online.
The platform's rapid growth led to its acquisition by Google in 2006 for $1.65 billion. As Chief Technology Officer, Chen was instrumental in developing YouTube's infrastructure to handle massive user engagement.
YouTube has since become one of the world's most visited websites, fundamentally changing media consumption and content creation.
Cultural Influence:
Chen's entrepreneurial spirit embodies the concept of 自强不息 (zì qiáng bù xī), meaning "continuous self-improvement." This phrase encourages individuals to strive relentlessly towards their goals, overcoming obstacles through perseverance and determination. Chen's ability to identify and develop groundbreaking technology demonstrates how this cultural value contributes to global success.
James Chu – Founder of ViewSonic Corporation

Industry: Electronics and Technology
Founded: 1987
Headquarters: Brea, California, USA
Story: James Chu immigrated from Taiwan to the United States in 1986. Recognizing the growing demand for computer peripherals, he founded ViewSonic Corporation in 1987. Starting with a small team, Chu focused on producing high-quality computer monitors.
Under his leadership, ViewSonic became a leading manufacturer of visual display products, including monitors, projectors, and digital displays.
The company's commitment to quality and innovation helped it compete with established brands and expand globally.
Today, ViewSonic operates in over 30 countries, known for reliable and cutting-edge technology that serves both consumer and professional markets.
Cultural Influence:
Chu's focus on 质量第一 (zhì liàng dì yī), meaning "quality first," aligns with values that prioritize excellence in products and services. The principle of 精益求精 (jīng yì qiú jīng), or "pursuing perfection," reflects a cultural dedication to continuous improvement and meticulous attention to detail. Chu's commitment to these values has been crucial to his company's enduring success.
Min H. Kao – Co-founder of Garmin Ltd.

Industry: GPS Technology and Electronics
Founded: 1989
Headquarters: Olathe, Kansas, USA
Story: Min H. Kao was born in Taiwan and moved to the United States for graduate studies, earning a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Tennessee.
In 1989, he co-founded Garmin Ltd. with Gary Burrell, aiming to develop GPS navigation and wireless devices.
Under Kao's guidance, Garmin became a leader in GPS technology, expanding into automotive, aviation, marine, outdoor, and fitness markets.
Their innovative products have revolutionized navigation and tracking, making GPS technology accessible to consumers and professionals alike.
Garmin has grown into a multi-billion-dollar company with a global presence, reflecting Kao's vision and commitment to technological advancement.
Cultural Influence:
Kao's dedication to 科技兴国 (kē jì xīng guó), meaning "revitalize the nation through science and technology," mirrors an emphasis on technological innovation as a driver of progress. His relentless pursuit of 卓越 (zhuó yuè), or "excellence," showcases a cultural commitment to achieving the highest standards in one's work.
James L. Chao – Founder of Foremost Group

Industry: Shipping and Transportation
Founded: 1964
Headquarters: New York City, New York, USA
Story: Born in Shanghai and raised in Taiwan, James L. Chao immigrated to the United States in 1958. In 1964, he founded the Foremost Group, a shipping, trading, and finance enterprise specializing in bulk carriers. Starting with a single vessel, Chao expanded the company into a global leader in shipping, known for its modern and efficient fleet.
Chao's emphasis on safety, environmental responsibility, and efficiency set industry standards. His business acumen and ethical approach have earned him recognition and respect in the maritime industry.
Cultural Influence:
Chao's success reflects the value of 诚信 (chéng xìn), meaning "integrity and trustworthiness." His commitment to ethical business practices embodies 以德服人 (yǐ dé fú rén), or "winning people over by virtue." Additionally, the principle of 家和万事兴 (jiā hé wàn shì xīng), "family harmony brings prosperity," highlights the importance of family unity and harmony, which Chao has emphasized in his personal and professional life.
The Cultural Edge: Taiwanese and Chinese Values in Business Success
Taiwanese entrepreneurs have profoundly influenced various American industries by integrating their cultural values, often encapsulated in unique expressions:
勤奋好学 (qín fèn hào xué) – Diligent and Eager to Learn: A commitment to education and continuous self-improvement drives innovation and success.
创新 (chuàng xīn) – Innovation: Embracing new ideas and creative thinking leads to groundbreaking products and services.
精益求精 (jīng yì qiú jīng) – Pursuing Perfection: Striving for excellence ensures high-quality offerings that stand out in the market.
诚信 (chéng xìn) – Integrity and Trustworthiness: Ethical business practices build strong reputations and customer loyalty.
知行合一 (zhī xíng hé yī) – Unity of Knowledge and Action: Applying knowledge practically leads to meaningful achievements.
自强不息 (zì qiáng bù xī) – Continuous Self-Improvement: Persistent effort and resilience enable entrepreneurs to overcome challenges.
家和万事兴 (jiā hé wàn shì xīng) – Family Harmony Brings Prosperity: Emphasizing family values contributes to personal and professional success.
These principles resonate with American consumers and industries that value innovation, quality, and integrity. By integrating cultural principles into their business models, these entrepreneurs have successfully built loyal customer bases and made significant impacts in their fields.
Conclusion
The success stories of Taiwanese entrepreneurs in the United States highlight the power of vision, hard work, and cultural values. Leveraging their heritage and adapting to the American market, they have built companies that achieve financial success while contributing to cultural diversity and understanding.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, these examples demonstrate that deeply held values and a commitment to excellence can lead to remarkable achievements. The journeys of Jensen Huang, Jerry Yang, Steve Chen, James Chu, Min H. Kao, and James L. Chao serve as inspiration for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact through business.
Whether revolutionizing technology, advancing innovation, or fostering growth across industries, these Taiwanese businesspeople show that with the right blend of cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit, success is within reach.
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